I was interested in the same so in this article I’m going to investigate if smoking weed with a cold is a good idea, can cannabinoids speed up the healing process and how to safely use cannabis when sick.

Cold and flu symptoms

Cold and flu (influenza) are respiratory conditions caused by different types of viruses.

Colds are much less severe than influenza viruses, which can last longer and even result in hospitalization in extreme cases.

The common cold usually lasts for up to a week and its symptoms are mild fatigue, body aches, sore throat, sneezing, coughing and a runny nose. It usually doesn’t induce fever.

Flu symptoms can resemble the ones from a cold, but if you’re experiencing a high fever, chills, headaches, severe muscle aches, dry cough, sore throat, nausea and vomiting it’s most likely the flu. Flu lasts for up to two weeks.

Both cold and flu are transferred from person to person by physical contact or through air.

These viruses bind to the ICAM-1 protein which is found in the outer mucous membrane. The virus then penetrates the membrane and makes the entire mucous system go into overdrive.

Once that happens, mucous membranes in the throat and nose get inflamed, and that’s why we feel sore and congested when we get a cold. This causes an immune response as the body recognizes and fights the unwelcome guests.

Can marijuana help ease the symptoms of a cold?

Cold medicines usually contain cough suppressants, antihistamines (to suppress inflammation), and expectorants (to stop the mucus building up). Most of these over-the-counter remedies try to ease the symptoms so you can get on with your day to day.

However, if we look at cold symptoms separately, it looks like pot can be used to treat some of them.

Several compounds found in cannabis (especially CBD) are known as potent anti-inflammatory agents. (1)

The correct dose of CBD can reduce inflammation in the joints, muscles and even ease pain.

As previously mentioned, inflammation is a normal response of the body to an infection. The inflammation in our lungs, nose and throat is what makes our life a living hell when we are sick.

Using simple logic, we can conclude that CBD can be used to relieve inflammation and help us breathe normally again.

Ever since its discovery, which spanned over decades and included several isolated scientific discoveries, the endocannabinoid system has been closely associated with the functioning of the immune system. (3)

By introducing cannabinoids from the cannabis plant, the immune system regains its “harmony”, which is also dubbed as a state of homeostasis—a balance between separate but interconnected systems of our body.

Some early research suggests that a dose of THC administered intravenously can ease artificially induced coughs. (4)

Although the study in question was published in 1976, it gives scientists a base for future research.

Furthermore, cannabis (THC in particular) is a powerful bronchodilator and was used as a medicine for asthma, for a very long time before cannabis became prohibited. (5)

This means that THC can diminish resistance and increase airflow to the lungs, allowing for easier breathing.